What Is Dental Cleaning (Scaling) and What Does It Do?
Dental cleaning is the professional removal of plaque and tartar (calculus) from tooth surfaces and from below the gumline. In dentistry this is called “scaling,” and when more comprehensive it is termed “periodontal curettage.”
How Does Calculus Form?
Soft bacterial deposits that remain even after brushing are called dental plaque. Minerals and calcium in saliva precipitate into unremoved plaque and harden over time into tartar. Because tartar is porous, it traps more plaque and bacteria and cannot be removed at home with brushing or floss.
What Does Scaling Achieve?
Its goal is to eliminate these harmful deposits and provide two main benefits:
1. Protect Gum Health
- Prevents Gingivitis: When tartar accumulates at the gumline, it irritates the gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding. Cleaning removes the primary cause.
- Prevents Progression to Periodontitis: Untreated inflammation leads to gum detachment and pocket formation. Bacteria in deep pockets initiate periodontitis, a destructive disease that resorbs jawbone. Regular cleanings help prevent this process.
2. Reduce Caries and Halitosis Risk
- Prevents Cavities: Plaque and tartar harbor acid-producing bacteria that erode enamel.
- Eliminates Bad Breath: Tartar holds bacteria and decaying debris; scaling removes this odor source.
How Is It Performed?
The procedure is usually painless and may not require anesthesia (local anesthesia can be used when deep pockets are present).
- Ultrasonic Instruments: High-frequency vibrations with water spray break up large tartar deposits.
- Hand Instruments (Curettes): Stubborn deposits under the gumline and in hard-to-reach areas are removed manually.
- Polishing: After cleaning, tooth surfaces are polished with special paste and a brush to make them smoother, hindering new plaque adhesion.
How Often?
For people with good oral health, routine check-ups and professional cleaning every 6 months are recommended. High-risk or periodontal patients may need it every 3–4 months.
